Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in NEW YORK, USA
ZIMBABWE and the United States aim to deepen commercial ties, with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira meeting US Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia in New York to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral co-operation.
President Mnangagwa, who is in the US, has used his trip to woo investors from the world economic powerhouse to invest in Zimbabwe, and there has been positive feedback from American businesspeople who have expressed a willingness to invest in the country.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, said Prof Murwira, who is accompanying the President, and Assistant Secretary Garcia, explored wide-ranging avenues to reset and strengthen bilateral co-operation between Harare and Washington.
The meeting was held on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Ministry said, guided by a shared interest in economic diplomacy, expanding the partnership between the two countries would directly improve the livelihoods of their respective peoples.
“Deepening economic ties and creating predictable trade channels will enable local Zimbabwean companies to access lucrative American markets, directly expanding local employment across the agriculture, mining, and manufacturing value chains,” the statement said.
“By working closely with Washington to simplify investment frameworks, Zimbabwe can attract critical US private sector financing to modernise its mining sector, domestic transport networks, expand renewable energy grids, and boost industrial capacity.
“Widening diplomatic relations directly enhances existing academic and professional exchange programmes between American and Zimbabwean researchers, students, and engineers and this facilitates vital technology sharing, skills development, and localised innovation under Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework.”
The Ministry said the enhanced bilateral dialogue would also pave the way for direct partnerships in climate-resilient technologies and advanced agricultural mechanisation, safeguarding the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and stabilising local food supplies.
“This constructive engagement marks a significant milestone for the Second Republic’s economic diplomacy thrust, proving that expanding mutual respect and direct commercial dialogue can unlock real, long-term economic prosperity for citizens at home and abroad.
“Under the leadership of H.E. President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe pursues a ‘Friend to All and Enemy to None’ foreign policy, grounded in non-judgemental, non-adversarial engagement and mutual respect, with diplomacy focused on advancing national interests and improving the livelihoods and prosperity of its people,” said the Ministry.
The US Bureau of African Affairs also confirmed the meeting, saying discussions focused on opportunities to deepen commercial relations between Harare and Washington.
“Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia met Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira today. They discussed opportunities to deepen U.S.-Zimbabwe commercial ties,” said the Bureau on its official X handle.
The meeting in New York is the latest step in a sustained diplomatic effort by the Second Republic to reposition Zimbabwe as a credible investment destination.
President Mnangagwa has consistently articulated a “Friend to All and Enemy to None” foreign policy since assuming office, aimed at normalising relations with countries that had previously been estranged from Harare.
This approach has seen Zimbabwe actively pursue engagement and re-engagement with Western nations, including the United States.
In recent months, Washington has signalled a policy shift with US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont announcing in late 2025 that the United States was transitioning its relationship with Zimbabwe “from one based on assistance to one based on true partnership,” with a focus on trade, investment, and policy cooperation rather than donor aid .
She identified agriculture, tourism, and critical minerals as sectors of particular interest, noting that Zimbabwe “could make a great partner” in securing US supply chains for strategic resources.
